NLO Addresses Allegations of Witch-Hunting, Reaffirms Disciplinary Sanctions

Posted : 13 June 2025

The Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria’s third-tier football league, has responded to accusations of witch-hunting by some clubs, insisting that recent disciplinary actions during the 2025 Division One season were based strictly on provisions in its Rule Book. NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, stated that the Secretariat follows due process and does not act hastily in sanctioning teams.

Ogunnowo emphasized the league's commitment to fair play, discipline, and integrity, adding that clubs have the right to appeal decisions through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee. He warned, however, that setting negative precedents through baseless allegations undermines years of effort invested in building the NLO brand.

He cited investigations into suspicious results such as Franceex United’s 9-0 win over Bison FC and CAMPOS FC’s 15-2 victory against A&A FC, both of which triggered the enforcement of Article 4.17 on match-fixing. The rule prescribes fines, annulment of match results, and potential bans for those found guilty of manipulating outcomes.

Similarly, Positive FA from Oyo State was expelled from the league and its officials banned for two years after missing three consecutive fixtures, violating Article 2.06 on club withdrawal. The NLO stressed that teams must respect the league’s structure and scheduling.

Cynosure FC also came under scrutiny after its chairman raised unsubstantiated claims of match-fixing between Liberty Lions FC and E-World FC. With no credible evidence presented, the NLO fined the club ₦500,000 and suspended the chairman for six months for making false allegations that brought the game into disrepute.

The NLO further revealed that the Cynosure FC chairman was involved in a separate incident, where he allegedly attempted to influence a match involving May and Frank FC. Ogunnowo said the NLO has evidence of the conversation and noted that this is not the first such offense by the chairman, who was suspended in 2021 for similar misconduct.

Ogunnowo concluded by urging stakeholders to commend the NLO’s swift and firm response to disciplinary breaches rather than criticize it. "We are committed to protecting the integrity of Nigerian football, and our actions are meant to uphold that standard," he said.

NLO Addresses Allegations of Witch-Hunting, Reaffirms Disciplinary Sanctions

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